With today marking a historic day in US history, social media has taken over with wild conspiracy theories.
Donald Trump and JD Vance have officially taken their oaths of office in a ceremony held in the Capitol Rotunda, surrounded by family, former presidents, elected officials, and prominent business leaders.
The event marked the start of Trump’s second term as president, with an inaugural address that provided insight into his vision for America.
“The golden age of America begins right now,” Trump, 78, declared in his speech. “From this day forward, our country will flourish.”
Melania Trump Back in the Spotlight
And with Trump’s return to the White House, wife Melania Trump once again returns as the First Lady of the United States.
However, despite today being one of celebration for the Trumps, the 54-year-old First Lady has also found herself facing bizarre scrutiny on social media.
The Slovenian-American former model has once again been at the center of bizarre conspiracy theories claiming she uses a body double.
It was a rumor that followed Melania during her first four years in the White House, as well as during her appearance on Election Night.
Speculation reignited as Melania accompanied Trump to the Capitol for his swearing-in. Dressed in a sleek black-and-white outfit, she attended a church service before joining her husband for the official ceremony.
But her striking look – which included a wide-brimmed hat that she continued to wear while inside – resulted in some social media users insisting that Melania has once again been replaced by a “body double”.
One X user wrote: “I’m not a big conspiracy theory guy, but that’s a Melania body double, right?”
“It’s the Melania body double wearing a wide brim hat that covers her face for me,” another added.
“That’s not even really Melania it’s a body double,” tweeted a third.
“Melania’s body double has returned to the White House,” wrote another.
However, as one person joked: “Honestly this is exactly what I would wear if there were rampant rumors that I was being replaced by a body double at important events.”
This ludicrous rumor has previously been addressed and denied by Melania’s team.
Former communications chief Stephanie Grisham previously called these theories “ridiculous,” telling CNN: “Once again, we find ourselves consumed with a ridiculous non-story when we could be talking about the work the first lady is doing on behalf of children.”
Melania Speaks Out
In a recent interview with Fox & Friends, Melania addressed her return to the White House and how she’s perceived by the public.
“I feel I was always me the first time as well,” she said. “I just feel that people didn’t accept me maybe. Maybe some people, they see me as just a wife of the president, but I’m standing on my own two feet.
“Independent. I have my own thoughts, I have my own ‘yes’ and ‘no.’”
She also shared that she and her husband don’t always see eye to eye on political matters. “I gave him my advice, and sometimes he listens. Sometimes he doesn’t, and that’s OK,” she said.
Splitting Time Between States
Unlike most First Ladies, Melania won’t be living full-time in the White House. Instead, she plans to split her time between Washington, D.C., New York, and Florida to prioritize her roles as a mother and wife.
“My first priority is, you know, to be a mom, to be a First Lady, to be a wife,” she explained. “And once we are in on Jan. 20, you serve the country.”
With the Trumps back in the political spotlight, it remains to be seen how Melania’s second tenure as First Lady will unfold—but one thing is certain: she intends to do it on her own terms.
